President Benigno Aquino raises the country's flag during a ceremony commemorating the 115th anniversary of the Philippines' independence from foreign rule in Manila on June 12, 2013. In his speech, Aquino said that the Philippines would stand up for its rights even amid territorial disputes with China over part of the South China Sea. AFP PHOTO / Jay DIRECTO

President Benigno Aquino raises the country's flag during a ceremony commemorating the 115th anniversary of the Philippines' independence from foreign rule in Manila on June 12, 2013. In his speech, Aquino said that the Philippines would stand up for its rights even amid territorial disputes with China over part of the South China Sea. AFP PHOTO / Jay DIRECTO